Latest KFF Health News Stories
Rationing Of Care Worsens In Alaska
A second hospital, this one in Bethel, is now cutting back on care. Coronavirus infections in the state have risen 42% in the past week, AP reported. Other covid news is from Idaho, Maine, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and elsewhere. Also, a covid outbreak brings a halt to one Broadway show.
CDC Issues Urgent Guidance If Pregnant: Get Vaccinated Now
With covid-linked deaths among pregnant people on the rise, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging more to get the covid shot, saying: “The benefits of vaccination outweigh known or potential risks.”
Half-Dose Moderna Vaccine May Be Recommended By FDA As Booster
The Food and Drug Administration is reported to be leaning toward approving a lower-dose version of Moderna’s covid shot as a booster. Separately, Dr. Anthony Fauci said data on mix-and-match tactics for shots from different makers could arrive within two weeks.
Different Takes: Fraudulent Vaccine Cards On The Rise; Unions Fighting Vaccine Mandates
Opinion pages weigh in on these covid and vaccine issues.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial pages tackle these public health issues.
Perspectives: If Drug-Pricing Reform Fails, Democrats Will Have Bigger Woes
Read recent commentaries about drug-cost issues.
Different Takes: The Reality Of Rationed Care In The ER; The Public Is Confused About Booster Shots
Opinion writers tackle covid, booster shots and mandates.
Eli Lilly Slashes Price Of Generic Insulin By 40%
Read about the biggest pharmaceutical developments and pricing stories from the past week in KHN’s Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Cherokee Nation Wins $75 Million Settlement From Opioid Distributors
The three largest U.S. opioid distributors are involved in the deal, which is the first such settlement with a tribal government. Covid’s role in the Virginia governor’s debate, an expiring California worker protection program, new housing funds in California and more are also in the news.
WHO Workers Found To Have Abused Women During Congo Ebola Outbreak
An inquiry into the actions of World Health Organization workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo found some doctors and staff members sexually abused or exploited women. In other news, a wider non-virus impact of covid is reported in the deaths of women and children around the world.
Federal Judge Partly Blocks Arizona’s Genetic Abnormality Abortion Law
The ruling came as Judge Douglas L. Rayes found flaws in the law that would enable felony prosecutions for doctors who carried out abortions due to fetal genetic abnormalities. The “Save Chick-Fil-A” case and its impact on the recent abortion ban in Texas are also in the news.
Health Industry Pushes To Control Its Own Cost, Access Issues
Modern Healthcare reports on increasing skepticism among health care leaders that central government control can address the industry’s own problems. Meanwhile, reports say not-for-profit Tower Health will sell and close two of its seven acute-care hospitals to address its operating losses.
Study Says Over 50% Of US Children Have Detectable Lead Levels In Blood
The exposures were worse in areas with pre-1950s housing, public insurance or high poverty. The CDC has concluded there is no safe level of lead exposure. A separate study finds a link between higher fruit and vegetable intake and better mental well-being in secondary school-age kids.
Using Aduhelm Trick, Biogen Seeks Approval For Another Alzheimer’s Drug
The new drug from Biogen and partner Eisai, lecanemab, will attempt to use the same process that led to the recent approval of controversial drug Aduhelm. Meanwhile, Massachusetts’ biggest health care provider, Mass General Brigham, has said it will not offer Aduhelm to patients.
In Rare Move, FDA Tells Drugmakers To Redo Studies Because Of Data Errors
Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports that rates of clinical trials not related to covid are taking longer to recover in the U.K. than in some European countries. Separately, a new study shows that rates of cannabis use during early pregnancy shot up by 25% early in the pandemic.
The Latest On Covid Treatments — Including Some That Aren’t At All
Steroid nasal sprays might work — but hydrogen peroxide definitely doesn’t. Neither does ivermectin, but that hasn’t stopped prescriptions from soaring more than 70% between 2019 and 2021.
Study: When Trump Finally Endorsed Covid Shots, His Supporters Listened
The study, published in PLOS One, shows that the vaccine support video from former President Donald Trump swayed more of his voters to get shots than a video from an expert. Separately, USA Today reports that only 18% of pregnant people in the U.S. have had a dose of covid vaccine, with notable racial disparities.
Booster Rollout Starts With A Bang; Side Effects Feel Similar, People Say
At least 400,000 Americans received the Pfizer booster since it was authorized last week. The durability of immunity from a third shot is not yet known, but Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said Tuesday that he expects protection to last around a year, Roll Call reports.
Missouri Hospital Issues Panic Buttons For Covid-Related Attacks On Staff
Meanwhile, AP reports on the “constant barrage of misinformation” driving increased public animosity to health care workers in Idaho. Separately, Anchorage’s public health manager resigns as record-level covid infections over-stretch hospitals. News outlets cover good and bad covid numbers.